The injuries sustained through the game usually aren’t related to collisions. Instead, injuries are generally the result of chronic overload or an acute increase in activity or, put simply, they are overuse injuries.
This is particularly problematic in cricket at a professional level, where players are required to participate in grueling match schedules. The relatively of T20 cricket has meant that the workload endured by cricketers is only growing, and, as a result, injury rates are also rising.
These injuries depending on a cricketer’s role in the team. Research shows that 20.6% of fast bowlers, 7.4% of batsmen, 6.7% of spinners, and 4.7% of wicketkeepers will sustain an injury.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most common injuries sustained whilst playing cricket.
Hamstring Strains
This injury most frequently occurs during sprinting. In cricket, this typically means during fast bowling, when running between wickets as a batsman, or when fielding. The main risk factors for this include being a fast bowler and playing in shorter forms of the game, such as T20.
Fast bowling.
Being a fast bowler is a risk factor due to the pace and the frequency of running into the bowl.
Ground size.
Many of our grounds are larger than normal. This leads to an increase in the volume of sprinting, as fewer boundaries are scored.
Shorter form cricket.
Playing in the shorter forms of the game has seen an increase in hamstring strains, possibly due to an increase in the intensity of sprinting, particularly for batsmen and fielders due to only have a limited number of overs to score as many runs as possible.
Prevention
Mainly focused on progressive strengthening through exercise. Manual therapies, such as soft tissue mobilization and dry needling, can be effective for pain management and scar tissue breakdown. Taping is also often used as an adjunct to unload the hamstring.
Ankle Sprains.
Injury to the ankle where the ligaments are over-stretched and, in more severe cases, torn. In cricket, it common to roll the ankle by accidentally stepping on the ball or simply by misplacing a foot when running.
Prevention
Dependent on the severity of the injury but initially the RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and Referral) principle should be employed. Physiotherapists are skilled in doing this.
Soft tissue therapy, joint mobilization, and dry needling can also be used as pain management strategies to allow for quicker recovery.
Shoulder Injuries.
In cricket, these activities occur in bowling and fielding (throwing). During the overhead activity, such as throwing, the shoulder’s role is to transfer load from the lower limbs and trunk to the arm to generate force. The rotator cuff muscles provide dynamic stability of the shoulder during this task and, in cricket, injuries to the tendons of the rotator cuff are particularly prevalent. Risk factors associated with a shoulder injury in cricket include high training loads, altered scapula (shoulder blade) mechanics, sub-optimal muscle recruitment patterns, and deficits in range of motion.
Prevention
Mainly focuses on load management and addressing any identified biomechanical problems.
Lumbar stress fractures.
These are predominantly seen in fast bowlers. Bowling technique is an especially important consideration. Excessive sideways trunk flexion, excessive shoulder rotation, and greater pelvic rotation at ball release are all risk factors for developing a lumbar stress fracture as a fast bowler.
Prevention
Focuses on load management and addressing deficits in the kinetic chain. Individuals should allow for appropriate recovery between bowling sessions and if there is a bone stress reaction on MRI, should immediately rest from bowling and seek expert advice.
A physiotherapist will be able to identify any imbalances or technique issues in their thorough assessment. An exercise program tailored to the individual will usually be implemented to address any identified deficits. Not only will this aid recovery from the injury, but it should also help improve bowling performance.
Contusions.
A contusion is a medical term for the common bruise, however, in Cricket, you can’t underestimate a bruise. Generally, these occur when hit by a ball (at high speed).
There are 3 types of contusions, – skin, muscle, and bone. Skin and muscle contusions although very sore can be treated with ice and rest. Bone on the other hand can require a brace to help recovery.
Prevention
Body padding, gloves, leg pads, boxes, forearm guards, and helmets with a faceguard are all worn to help minimize a blow from the ball.
Isuru Dananjaya
References
https://www.peak-physio.com.au/sports-physiotherapy-classic-cricket-injuries-physio-treatment/
https://complete-physio.co.uk/cricket-injuries/
